Preview: 'Once The Musical' at Community Theatre at Woodbury

Press release

WOODBURY - April 1, 2025 - Community Theatre at Woodbury (CTAW) announces the final production of their 11th season - Once, a musical directed by Kris Geddes with musical direction from Bill Geddes. CTAW's production features a cast of 14 local actors and musicians.

The Geddes are long-time residents of Woodbury and retired educators from Region 14. With over thirty years of theatre experience, they have collaborated with students and adults in numerous roles, ranging from costuming to directing and nearly everything in between. Over the past decade, the Geddes have played an integral role in the development of the CTAW, with Bill leading lighting and sound design and operations at the Old Town Hall, and Kris serving on the board of directors while contributing her talents as the production stage manager for multiple shows. Together, they produced the WBC Music Foundation's rendition of “Company" in 2018. Kris shares, “Once captivated audiences of the 2007 film. When it was adapted for the stage, it created a buzz, further expanding its fascination. The music, together with an amazing love story, makes Once an unforgettable theatrical experience.”

Once takes place on the streets of Dublin, where an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over one fateful week, an unexpected friendship and collaboration quickly evolve into a powerful but complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music. Once contains mature themes and strong language, it may be unsuitable for younger audience members.

Performances will occur May 2-18 at Woodbury's Historic Old Town Hall, 5 Mountain Rd. Woodbury, CT 06798. Ticket reservations are strongly recommended at www.ctaw-ct.org.

Once is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Once is a musical based on the 2007 film of the same name by John Carney. Like the film, music and lyrics were by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, including the Academy Award-winning "Falling Slowly". The book for the musical was written by Enda Walsh. The musical premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in 2011, before transferring to Broadway in 2012. The production received eleven 2012 Tony Award nominations, and won eight, including Best Musical, Best Actor, and Best Book. The musical also won the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. It has since spawned a London production, with a North American Tour which started on 1 October 2013. In the musical, the cast also serves as the orchestra.